The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has dismissed reports of an alleged abduction of schoolchildren at Phase 1 Primary School, Gbagalape, Abuja.
According to the command, officers responded swiftly after receiving a distress alert suggesting that kidnappers had invaded the school.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Nyanya Division immediately mobilised patrol and surveillance teams to the school for an emergency response.
Police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, said on Thursday that preliminary findings showed panic broke out after some pupils suddenly began shouting “kidnappers,” causing confusion within the school.
The alarm triggered panic, as pupils rushed out of their classrooms, creating fear among teachers and residents in the area.
Adeh explained that security operatives quickly secured the school premises and conducted a thorough search to determine whether any criminal activity had taken place.
“Officers conducted a comprehensive search of the school environment and questioned individuals within and around the premises. No kidnapping incident was established, no suspect was sighted, and no victim was identified,” she said.
The police added that surrounding areas, including nearby bushes and adjoining locations, were also searched as part of precautionary measures.
Security teams were further deployed to neighbouring schools to assess the situation and reassure residents.
The command urged residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could cause unnecessary fear and tension within communities.
“We encourage members of the public to verify information before sharing it and to cooperate with security agencies in maintaining public safety,” the police added.